Channel Manager

Topic Contents

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Topic Overview

What is necrotizing enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis is
infection and
inflammation of the
intestine. It is most common in babies who are born
early (premature). Many newborns who have it go on to live healthy lives. But
if the infection becomes severe, it can cause severe damage to the intestine,
which can be deadly. Some children may have ongoing problems with digestion, growth, or development.

This condition usually happens within the
first 2 weeks after birth. But it may occur up to 3 months after birth.

What causes necrotizing enterocolitis, and can it be prevented?

Doctors
aren't sure what causes this condition. It may occur when the immune and
digestive systems do not form in the right ways. This can happen when a baby is
born early or when there are problems during pregnancy or delivery.

Experts don't know if feeding formula to a newborn can lead to
necrotizing enterocolitis. They do know that the disease is much less common in
babies who are fed breast milk.

Some doctors recommend probiotics to help prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in some infants who are at risk for it. Probiotics are bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms depend on
how severe the problem is. They may include:

A swollen, tender, red, or shiny
belly.

Constipation.

Dark, black, or bloody
stools.

Low or unstable body temperature.

Chills and
fever.

Fast heartbeat and breathing.

Not wanting to
eat.

Vomiting.

Being less active or
having little energy.

How is necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosed?

The doctor will ask about your baby's symptoms
and past health. The doctor may do tests, such as:

Tests to check for bacteria in the stool, blood, urine, or
spinal fluid.

How is it treated?

Your
baby will be treated in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Treatment usually lasts 3 to 10 days. It may last longer if the condition is
severe. Treatment includes
intravenous (IV) feeding, antibiotics, and a tube that
goes in the nose to the stomach to remove extra fluids and gas from the
intestine.

If your baby does not get better with treatment or
gets a hole in the intestine, he or she may need surgery. About 1 out of 4 babies who have necrotizing enterocolitis
may need surgery.1 Surgery usually means having two procedures weeks or months apart. The first surgery removes damaged parts of the intestine and may create a colostomy or ileostomy so that the intestine can heal. (With an ostomy, stool leaves the body through an opening in the belly and collects in a bag.) A second surgery will be done to close the ostomy so that stool can pass through the body normally again.

After treatment, your baby
will be ready to leave the hospital when he or she is eating well and is not
losing weight. The nurse can show you how to feed and care for your baby at
home.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed when your baby has health
problems. It can be stressful to watch a tiny newborn get medical treatment.
You may feel frustrated if you can't hold your baby as often as you want or
can't breast-feed your baby. It may help to talk about your feelings and
concerns with a social worker or counselor. Be sure to ask your baby's doctors
about anything you don't understand.

Health Tools

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Places To Get Help

Organization

KidsHealth for Parents, Children, and
Teens

Nemours Home Office

10140 Centurion Parkway

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Phone:

(904) 697-4100

Web Address:

www.kidshealth.org

This website is sponsored by the Nemours Foundation. It
has a wide range of information about children's health—from allergies and
diseases to normal growth and development (birth to adolescence). This website
offers separate areas for kids, teens, and parents, each providing
age-appropriate information that the child or parent can understand. You can
sign up to get weekly emails about your area of interest.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.